Andrea who is just 22, graduated from the University of Cumbria with first class honours in her Contemperary Arts Degree back in November.

The Golden Shears Award is a national competition & is open to trainees in the tailoring industry and students who were on dedicated tailoring courses. The competition received around 60 entries from which 26 made the finals. This was held on Monday 16th March, at the Merchant Taylor's Hall on Threadneedle Street, London.

The entrants were asked to design and make a fully tailored garment to specific measurements.

The 1st stage of judging was back in January in which the entries gained marks on the Design, Cut, Tailoring and Style.

The final stages were judged based on the fashion style of the garments, whilst being worn by professional models on the catwalk.

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Andrea created a jacket and skirt for the competition. She began by hand dyeing yarns, which she then wove into cloth herself. She had to do this using a hand weaving loom. The cloth design was based on natural patterns such as animal prints and rippling sand textures. The colours dervived from peacock feathers. She also hand dyed silk, which she used for the lining of the jacket. Once she had made the garments she then hand embellished them with beadweaving and crystals. To complement the outfit she made a belt to accentuate the waistline, aswell as matching handbags.

Andrea was so pleased with the result as the standard of all the entries was so high. As well as the prestige Andrea also won £1000 and a trophy to remember the wonderful evening.

A Work in Progress Series

History of Steed Bespoke Tailors of Savile Row

Established in January 1995, Steed gained a reputation as one of Savile Row's finest tailors, offering clients a soft understated elegance.

Edwin DeBoise, whose father and brother are both tailors, trained at the London College of Fashion and then worked under legendary cutter Edward Sexton (Tommy Nutter) followed by seven years at Anderson & Sheppard before founding Steed.

January 2002 was Steed's eighth year in business and one which also saw Edwin taking full control of the company after an amicable split with his then business partner, Thomas Mahon (english cut) with whom he started the company with back in 1995.

September 2008 saw Edwin's eldest son, Matthew join the company where he is currently learning the trade under his father whilst also running the business and marketing aspects of the company.

Edwin & Matthew's schedule includes at least 4 visits to the USA each year in order to cater for Steed's expanding overseas client base.

September 2011 saw Steed venture to Beijing, China with a view to multiple visits throughout 2012 and beyond.

Steed's ever growing reputation has resulted in features in such publications as GQ, American Express Departures Magazine and most recently a 10-page article written by Matthew DeBoise that was published in China's top fashion magazine, TIDE.